Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

86 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who held medical cards in June 2002 and at the latest date for which figures are available; the proportion of the population this represents in respect of each such date; when it is intended to implement the commitment to extend eligibility for medical cards in order to bring in over 200,000 extra people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27564/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Data from the GMS payments board indicate that 1,207,096 persons or 30.81% of the population were covered by the medical card scheme in June 2002 and 1,163,335 persons or 29.70% of the population in November 2003.

The health strategy includes a commitment that significant improvements will be made in the medical card income guidelines in order to increase the number of persons on low income who are eligible for a medical card and to give priority to families with children and particularly children with a disability. This should be viewed in the broader context of the strategy's emphasis on fairness and its stated objective of reducing health inequalities in our society. Due to the prevailing budgetary situation, I regret that it is not possible to meet this commitment this year but the Government remains committed to the introduction of the necessary changes as opportunities arise.

It should be remembered that health board chief executive officers have discretion on the issuing of medical cards and also that a range of income sources are excluded by the health boards when assessing medical card eligibility. Many allowances such as carer's allowance, child benefit, domiciliary care allowance, family income supplement and foster care allowance are all disregarded when determining a person's eligibility. Given these factors and the discretionary powers of the chief executive officers, having an income that exceeds the guidelines does not mean that a person will not be eligible for a medical card, and a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that a person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this.

Non-medical card holders, and people with conditions not covered under the long-term illness scheme, can avail of the drugs payment scheme. Under this scheme, an individual or a family unit does not pay more than €70 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. This threshold is due to rise to €78 per calendar month, once the necessary administrative arrangements have been put in place. Even with this increase, the scheme will continue to provide considerable support for those with high drug bills.